Hebrews

From Hebrews 11:33-38:

Conquered kingdoms. 

Enforced justice.

Obtained promises.

Stopped the mouths of lions.

Quenched the power of fire.

Escaped the edge of the sword.

Made strong out of weakness.

Became mighty in war.

Put foreign armies to flight.

Received back their dead.

Tortured.

Mocked.

Flogged.

Chained.

Imprisoned.

Stoned.

Sawn in two.

Killed with the sword.

Destitute. Afflicted. Mistreated. Wandering.

This is your legacy, Church. An astounding mix of victory and suffering. Of faith.

Don't look to the world. The world is not worthy.

Look to Jesus.

Rise up. 

Run.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)